Rebecca Bradford is the owner of Simply Southern in Covington.Tana R.H. Stevenson photos

Covington native and artist Rebecca Bradford draws inspiration for her work from her community. When she opened a boutique nearly two years ago to showcase her relief pieces on canvas and her ornament collections, she also turned to other artists in that community to fulfill her concept, which has created quite a buzz.

Simply Southern features the handiwork of select artists from the Gulf Coast region, with about half coming from the north shore and southeast Louisiana.

Customers are catching on that the store has treasures that can’t be found elsewhere, from handmade soap and jewelry to pottery and paintings.

“The concept is to have different styles brought together by a love of buying local,” Bradford says. “This area is so rich with talented people, many of whom I’ve been around my whole life.”

In the spring, she canvasses art festivals and shows, looking for new pieces to bring to Simply Southern. “You never know where our next artist will come from. We have such a variety, something for everyone at every price point. Our artists even range in age from 25 to 85.”

Bradford searches for little gems in her personal look as well, keeping her wardrobe simple and her accessories snazzy. She loves chunky chains with jeans and a white button down or a black turtleneck with a bright scarf. “I go with simple with a hint of something fun,” she says. “I want wow accessories.”

Her favorites are earrings and bracelets: “They can take jeans and T-shirts to a whole new level.”

Bradford finds some of her favorite things right in her hometown. Here are some of her recent finds for spring:

”Candles and lighting add presence, whether entertaining or just having one friend over for dinner. These candles have a great vibe with that little sparkle. They’d make any Thursday night dinner a little more fun — it’s the same philosophy as using the good silver.”

Bradford says she’s a realist when it comes to clothes. “I want to look cute and snazzy but be comfortable.” This top, with its dual shades of blue, is the best of both worlds, she says. “It’s perfect with skinny jeans, and I can wear it all spring and summer. I love things like this that I can dress up or down.”

Bradford says her attachment to the St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary is “cradle to grave. I was baptized there and already have a cemetery plot there.” She frequents the gift shop often, especially to stock up on the handmade soap. “It is phenomenal, made with such love and care, and there is a scent for everyone. I don’t buy soap at the grocery store anymore.”

Artisan soap made by the monks of St. Joseph Abbey, $6 per bar, 75376 River Road, Covington

One of Bradford’s favorite artists is fellow Covington resident John Hodge. “He travels the world collecting things such as statues, then makes a mold of them and uses these designs in his own work. He creates things so beautiful you just want to stare at them. This handmade pottery vase is one of those. it is absolutely extraordinary.”